Srinagar, March 8, KNT: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) General Secretary Faiz Bakshi on Saturday said the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel could have serious implications for India’s economy and growth prospects.

Bakshi while talking to reporters in Srinagar said the war has already triggered a sharp surge in global oil prices, which could directly affect India as the country remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil.

He said the situation has created uncertainty in global energy markets, particularly due to rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

According to energy data, India imports nearly 90 percent of its crude oil requirements, making the country vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price shocks.

Bakshi said any escalation in the conflict could disrupt oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with global markets.

Experts say around 35–50 percent of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical energy lifeline for the country.

“If tensions escalate and shipping through this route is affected, India could face serious challenges in securing oil and gas supplies,” Bakshi said.

He added that rising crude prices could lead to higher fuel costs, increased inflation and pressure on economic growth.

Recent global developments have already pushed oil prices above $90 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation and economic stability worldwide.

Bakshi said higher oil prices would also increase India’s import bill and could weaken the rupee, affecting trade and domestic markets.

The KCCI leader warned that sectors dependent on fuel and transportation could face additional pressure if the conflict continues for a prolonged period.

He stressed that the situation requires close monitoring as prolonged instability in West Asia could have ripple effects across India’s economy, particularly through energy supply chains and rising commodity prices. [KNT]

Jammu, Mar 07 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that linemen of Power Development Department (PDD) are the ‘true foot soldiers and indispensable workforce’.

Addressing the gathering at ‘Lineman Diwas’ in Jammu, CM Omar praised the efforts of Lineman and said that during the Operation Sindoor and the 2025 floods they brave adverse conditions like war and natural calamities.

“The Lineman put their lives on the line of duty, just like our brave defence forces,” he said.

The CM on the occasion further said, “I have witnessed such a function for the linemen for the first time of my seven and a half years of experience in heading the power sector including the six years of my previous government and one and a half years of the incumbent government.”

Omar appreciated the Managing Director of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and its colleagues for organizing such event for the lineman.

He said that it is the result of the hard work of the linemen that the children are able to study in schools and home and the farmers get water in their fields.

On the occasion, CM Omar recognised the linemen as the frontline technical workforce in maintaining the electricity supply in Jammu and Kashmir.

The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Financial Commissioner (ACS) Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar, Managing Director JKPDCL, Rahul Yadav and Managing Director JPDCL, Gurpal Singh.

Omar in his key address spoke of the foundational role that electricity plays in governance and public life.

“Power makes virtually all other aspects of our lives function. Government services like healthcare, education and irrigation do not work without electricity,” he said.

He said that the linemen are ‘actual foot soldiers and indispensable workforce of the power department,’ and singled out their service during Operation Sindoor and the 2025 floods for special praise.

“You brave adverse conditions like war and natural calamities. You put your lives on the line of duty just like our brave defence forces,” he said.

About the safety of the frontline workers, Omar said, “We aim to achieve the goal of zero casualty of linemen during work. The government and the power department will ensure the safety of each individual lineman.”

The CM urged the procurement of safety equipment. “The department must ensure the equipment reaches field linemen and that they receive proper training to use it.”

In the meantime, MD of JPDCL Gurpal Singh said that the corporation serves over 12 lakh consumers across the Jammu region.

He appreciated the technical workforce for this achievement and highlighted the daily role of linemen working at heights, in extreme weather and across challenging terrains.

JPDCL MD on the occasion announced the centralised procurement of safety equipment worth Rs 1.5 crore, including safety shoes, belts, helmets and discharge rods, for systematic distribution to field linemen

Srinagar, Mar 6, KDC: Seventeen candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have cleared the Civil Services Examination 2025, the results of which were declared on Friday by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

As per available details, Suvan Sharma from Jammu secured rank 148, followed by Sugandha Gupta (207) and Towseef Ahmad Ganaie (254).

Other successful candidates from the Union Territory include Ritika Bhan (456), Sooyash Shivam (572), Muneeb Parrah (581), Ghulam Din (663), Dwarka Gaadhi (721), Akash (747), Koh-e-Safa (763), Yasaar (811), Abhishek (820), Pankaj (856), Mohd Ajaz (869), Azhar (886), Sarfraz (936) and Irfan (957).

The UPSC recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and other central services.

The results follow the written main examination conducted in August 2025 and the personality tests held between December 2025 and February 2026.

According to the commission, the recommended candidates have been selected against 1,087 vacancies reported by the government for the 2025 examination cycle. These include 180 posts in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group ‘A’ and 195 in Group ‘B’.

UPSC data shows that 317 candidates recommended for appointment belong to the general category, 104 to the economically weaker sections, 306 to other backward classes, 158 to scheduled castes and 73 to scheduled tribes.

The commission has also released a consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates in line with the examination rules.

Officials said the reservation claims made by the selected candidates will be verified by the concerned authorities before appointments are finalised.

UPSC further stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the results of two candidates have been withheld. (KDC)

Srinagar, March 6, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party leader and legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Friday questioned the recruitment process under Mission YUWA, alleging that hiring for certain positions was being restricted to graduates from two institutions.

In a post on the social media platform X, Para said the recruitment process appeared limited to candidates from IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu and asked why opportunities were not opened to graduates from other universities across Jammu and Kashmir.

He said institutions such as the University of Jammu, the University of Kashmir, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and other universities in the region should also be considered for recruitment.

Para said limiting recruitment to two institutions could restrict opportunities for students from other universities in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also questioned the rationale behind restricting applications when both IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu have a large number of students from outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Para said that if the recruitment process was based purely on merit, the government should consider opening applications to candidates from institutions across the country.

“If it is truly about merit, applications should be opened to IIMs and IITs across the country to select the best qualified candidates rather than restricting it to two institutions,” he said.

The PDP leader also tagged the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in his post and sought clarification regarding the recruitment process under Mission YUWA.

Mission YUWA is a government initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, employment generation and youth development in Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]

District Police Budgam urges media organizations, social media users and the general public to exercise utmost responsibility while reporting, publishing or sharing information on electronic and social media platforms in view of the prevailing situation.

People should refrain from publishing or circulating unverified information, speculation or rumours and ensure that all reports are confirmed through credible and genuine sources before dissemination.

The circulation of rumours, misinformation or unverified content may create unnecessary panic, disturb public order and adversely affect the peace and tranquility in the district.

Budgam Police is monitoring all the social media and other media activities and strict legal action will be taken against any individual or entity found involved in spreading misinformation or rumours under relevant provisions of law.

Budgam Police appeals citizens to cooperate with the authorities and play a responsible role in maintaining peace, order and harmony in the district.

BARAMULLA, MARCH 05: A sensitization and awareness programme under the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act was organized by the Tehsil Social Welfare Office Rafiabad, Social Welfare Department Baramulla, at Town Hall Watergam today.

Tehsildar Watergam, Farooq Ahmad Dar, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Resource persons including Syed Junaid, Station House Officer Daniwacha, Advocate Umar Rashid, Member District Legal Services Authority and officials from ICDS and Education departments delivered speeches highlighting the rights, protection, and dignity of senior citizens.

Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Sopore, also addressed the gathering and spoke about various welfare schemes of the Social Welfare Department.

Srinagar, Mar 05, KDC: A court in Srinagar has held that prima facie offences of criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust are made out against former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and other accused in the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) funds case, directing that charges be framed against them.

In an order dated March 2, 2026, a copy of which is in the possession of news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, Ms Tabasum observed that the material on record discloses prima facie offences under Sections 120-B, 406 and 409 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) against the accused persons.

The case pertains to alleged financial irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the JKCA. Two accused in the case have already been granted pardon and turned approvers during the trial.

The court also dismissed an application filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking addition of further offences to the charges.

The court held that the ED has no locus standi to seek addition of charges in a case investigated and prosecuted by another agency, particularly when the charge sheet does not disclose any scheduled offence forming the basis for action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

It observed that ED’s jurisdiction arises only when a predicate offence exists and proceeds of crime are generated from such offence, and the agency cannot assume the commission of a predicate offence on its own.

The court further found the application misconceived and vague, noting that it referred to different provisions of law at different places and even invoked provisions of the Indian Penal Code that stand repealed with effect from July 1, 2024.

Referring to judicial precedents, the court reiterated that authorities under the PMLA cannot initiate proceedings merely on the assumption that a scheduled offence has been committed.

Rejecting the pleas seeking discharge, the court held that sufficient material exists to proceed against the accused, observing that the essential ingredients of offences under Sections 120-B, 406 and 409 RPC are prima facie made out.

The matter has been listed for framing of charges, after which the statements of the approvers will be recorded as evidence. The court also noted that appropriate orders would

SRINAGAR, MARCH 4: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) hosted a high-level strategic meeting today to strengthen collaboration between academic research and industrial innovation.

Chaired by Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the session brought together prominent biotechnology and nutraceutical entrepreneurs from Bengaluru, Karnataka, to explore interdisciplinary partnership opportunities. The meeting focused on bridging the gap between laboratory-scale research and commercial technology transfer, specifically targeting sectors like sericulture, biotechnology, and functional food development.

The industry delegation including, Dr. Srinivas, CEO, Aspartika Biotech Pvt Ltd; Dr Mousumi Mondal, Director, Mallipatra Nutraceutical Pvt Ltd; Aswathy Das, Director, Mightkondria Innovations LLP, and representatives from Lrigu Wellness Innovation LLP.

Coordinated by Dr Aabid Khaliq Tantray of College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, the discussions identified several critical pathways for developing market-ready products.

The entrepreneurs briefed on their existing collaborations with institutions like Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurvedic Medical College, highlighting their experience in the scientific validation of nutraceutical and Ayurvedic formulations.

Primary focus of the deliberations was the establishment of a Common Instrumentation Facility to support advanced research in sericulture and the utilisation of its by-products. The participants also discussed the design of antibiotic-free poultry feed solutions and the creation of innovative nutraceutical formulations that leverage the unique biodiversity of the region.

The meeting also emphasized the need for industry-oriented academic and skill-based programs, student exchange initiatives, and the strengthening of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) facilitation to protect and commercialize university-led innovations.

The Vice Chancellor commended the visiting delegation for their efforts in building reputable enterprises from the ground up. He emphasized that such industry–academia partnerships are essential for accelerating innovation and translating scientific research into socially impactful, commercially viable solutions.

SRINAGAR, MARCH 04: In the wake of the prevailing situation in West Asia following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday held an interaction with religious scholars, civil society members and representatives of trade and business bodies at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).

The meeting was attended by Minister Sakina Itoo, Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several Members of the Legislative Assembly from across Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and other senior officers of the divisional and district administration.

Prominent members of civil society, including religious leaders, social activists, retired bureaucrats, academics, educationists and representatives of trade bodies, participated in the interaction convened in the backdrop of the escalating war in West Asia and its possible aftermath in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley.

The Chief Minister listened attentively to the concerns and suggestions raised by the participants and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services.

Participants expressed deep concern over the developments in the West Asia region, which have engulfed several countries, and conveyed their sympathies to those who lost their loved ones, particularly the targeted assasination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several of his family members.

During the meeting, the attendees urged the administration to deal with the protestors & mourners with sympathy and understanding while allowing gatherings to express grief, ensuring that public order is maintained. They also called for the release of detainees held in recent days and to quash FIRs against youth who were out on the streets only to grieve the death of their spiritual leader.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his grief and condolences over the loss of lives in Iran. He stated that the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “cannot be described in words.” He said that the late leader was a true sympathiser of the people of Kashmir and had always maintained cordial relations with India.

Recalling his visits to Iran twice, as Minister of State for External Affairs Government of India and as Special Envoy of PM Atal Behari Vajpayee, CM Omar Abdullah said that the ties of India with Iran have always been cordial. CM said that the late Iranian supreme leader was a friend of India and a true sympathiser of the people of Kashmir.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir while respecting the sentiments of the people and urged people to ensure that expressions of grief remain peaceful and responsible.

Highlighting the purpose of the interaction, he said it was intended to collectively express pain and sorrow over the recent developments and to make a joint appeal for peace. He called for collective condemnation, collective condolence and a joint commitment to maintaining calm during the mourning period.

He underscored the role of the administration and religious organisations in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere and stressed that no one should be harmed during condolence gatherings.

Regarding recent detentions and the filing of cases, the Chief Minister assured the participants that he would take up the matter at the highest level to adopt a soft and lenient approach. He said that he does not want that his people particularly youth should put themselves in harm’s way.

Responding to the issue of evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said he has been in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs regarding their safety and safe return. He informed that the students are being shifted to safer locations for their onward journey through land route as flights stand cancelled in the region. He said that parents had met him for stranded students and in some cases students who are interns had refused to come back while some had been barred by medical colleges who have cautioned students that they shall lose one year and have to study academic session all over again in case they go back. CM assured that concerned college authorities in Iran would be requested through diplomatic channels to not to penalise students who want to return to India.

Some civil society members raised the issue of increase in prices of essentials, petrol and stressed the need for uninterrupted supply chains and proper functioning of key sectors such as health and power.

On essential supplies, the Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor stock and supply positions to prevent overpricing or hoarding and appealed to the public to bring any grievances to the notice of the administration.

Earlier, the meeting began with condolences over the demise of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, followed by Fateha prayers for the supreme leader of Iran, school girls and other who lost their lives in the strikes on Iran.

Several religious leaders & members of civil society spoke in the meeting to express their sentiments and concerns. Those who spoke included Molvi Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mehmood, MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar, MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Syed Shakeel Qalandar, M Yaseen Khan, Mushtaq Chaya, Aga Syed Mudasir Rizvi,, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Ms Tanvir Jehan, Dr Dechen Paljor, Jaspal Singh, G N War, MLA Mubarak Gul, Nasir Shah, Manzoor Pakhtoon, Shamim Ahmad Shah,Maulana Maqbool Hussain, Dr A G Ahangar,Iqram Shafie & others.

Srinagar, Mar 4, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a public advisory urging citizens to take preventive steps if someone threatens to share their private photos or videos online.

In a post shared on X, police advised individuals to create a digital hash of their private images or videos. The digital fingerprint, once generated, can be shared with participating social media platforms, enabling them to detect matching content if it is uploaded.

According to the advisory, platforms can automatically block or remove content once a match is identified, thereby preventing further circulation of intimate material.

The awareness message highlights the use of StopNCII.org, a platform that allows users to generate a digital fingerprint without uploading their actual photos or videos. The hash is then used by social media companies to identify and act against non-consensual intimate image sharing.

The advisory is part of a broader cyber safety initiative supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.

Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant online and use available tools to safeguard their privacy. [KNT]